What if everybody ran?

Do you want to smile more, have a happier marriage and sleep better? You can have all this and much more if you did one simple thing–run. According to MBA students at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flager Business School, if everyone in America ran, society could be completely changed.

The MBA students were asked by Mizuno Running to answer the question “what if everybody ran?” Using research documenting the positive impact of aerobic exercise and applying it to the 270 million Americans who have the potential to become runners, the students discovered the staggering impact of a run on all areas of life from physical and mental health to the impact on the economy.

A few of these benefits include: $25.3 billion increase in the gross domestic product, 200 million inches of waistline lost, $143 billion in health care costs saved and 5 million fewer hospital visits each year.

While that information illustrates the impact of running in a more traditional fashion, the students also looked at the benefits of running in a more creative way. These included:

To learn how these numbers were calculated or to see the new campaign Mizuno has launched based on the research, watch this video: “What if Everybody Ran.”

“Runners who are just starting out need to have patience; it is just important to go at a pace you are comfortable at and to set reasonable expectations,” said Dr. Ketan Mody, a sports medicine physician at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill.

“Trying to go from the couch to a half marathon in a week will only leave you frustrated and hurt from new stress on different joints and muscles or tendons. Runners should make sure they understand and do proper stretching before and after jogs or runs. If you are starting to feel pain, you should seek out a sports medicine physician early on to prevent severe injuries.”

Dr. Mody also recommends that new runners:

Buy a good pair of running shoes

Gradually increase their distance and speed

Set a goal and track progress (this could include signing up for a race)

Seek help from a sports medicine physician if you start to feel pain.

So hit the trail, track or pavement this spring and experience the benefits of running that millions of others have already found.

Interesting- I’ve had similar thoughts after changing my diet to (almost) all greens, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, etc: What if everybody ate this way? We would be SO much healthier, lives would be so much better in so many ways. There are a lot of people out there who can’t run. But most of us can improve our diets.

I believe this wholeheartedly. Running by itself or as part of another activity/exercise can’t be beat. Physically, mentally, and probably even spiritually for some, it’s like an elixir that keeps on giving.

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About the Author

Camille Vicino

Camille Vicino, health enews contributor, is a public affairs and government relations coordinator for Advocate Health Care. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois and loves running along the lake, exploring local boutiques and cheering for the Cubs.